Case Study: East Carolina University achieves classroom-like virtual learning and global collaboration with Saba Classroom

East Carolina University Brings a World of Fresh Perspectives Into the Classroom with Saba Classroom

East Carolina University (ECU), a public research university with nearly 28,000 students and a long history in distance education, needed to recreate a classroom-like experience for far-flung and nontraditional learners. Relying on Blackboard alone left students feeling disconnected, so ECU sought real-time audio/video, interactive tools, recording, and low-bandwidth options to support collaboration across time zones, languages, and varying connectivity.

ECU implemented Saba Classroom integrated with Blackboard to deliver live video and audio (VoIP), desktop sharing, whiteboards, emoticons and recorded sessions. The platform fostered social presence and community, increased course acceptance and enrollment, enabled international collaboration (notably a Global Climate Change course with partners in China, Brazil and India), and became part of ECU’s regular curriculum with plans to expand.

ECU

Elizabeth Hodge

Professor College of Education